CHILDREN OF THE MIND

By Mazer Priest (cymmerian@hotmail.com)

Description

A new group, the self-proclaimed Children of the Mind claim no particular origins. Some speculate Caitiff origins, though the Children seem to have blood too thick to have come from the clanless. Others point Ventrue, but despite their practices of Embrace, the Children have no particular quarrel with feeding on almost anyone. For the most part, however, the Bloodline remains unknown, having surfaced only within the last ten or twenty years.

All of the Children of the Mind are just that: Children. The Bloodline will only Embrace children, ordinarily a vampiric taboo. The Children do this for a reason. Children's minds are the most malleable and adaptable, and in this modern world of change, that makes a difference. There are two schools of thought on why a child's mind is so ready to learn, both of which work for the Children. One is that the chemical composition is different, the pineal gland more readily applying its learning hormones. If that's the case, an Embraced child will have a un-life of pineal enhancement, always ready to learn. The second school says it's merely a matter of experience, and the lack thereof, that makes children so ready to learn. If that's so, then all the better that the child learn most of his experiences as a vampire, for that will be his state until the Final Death.

The Children of the Mind are mental adepts, concentrating on their adaptability to the modern world and their own abilities to learn. As such, they have already begun to develop a new discipline, Prodigenus, the Way of the Mind. Already there are Children on the border of mastering Prodigenus, which speaks well of its effects. The Children have also recently forged something of an alliance with the Burning Men, taking the secrets of Vitanimae in exchange for some secret service.

Nicknames

Prodigies, Kids, Brats

Appearance

Although all of the Children are children, there seems to be few other consistencies. Though few Children exist as of yet, there seems to be no boundaries on gender or race or style of dress. While the youngest Child was only three when Embraced, most are older, with the oldest being almost sixteen.

Haven

Children seem to prefer confined spaces, as their bodies are smaller than most and able to squeeze into spots that others cannot. They also seem to prefer an area with many exits, as well as computer access.

Background

The Children have formed a Bloodline from indeterminable origins that has only surfaced within the last five years, though it must certainly have been around longer. Due to their philosophy, all Children are children, much to the disappointment of the otherwise-friendly Camarilla. This breach of tradition keeps the Children independents; just the way they want it. Their only real allies at the moment are the Burning Men.

Concept

Children can be of almost any child concept, but tend to be aspirants and architects, those that seek wisdom and experience. Obviously, Mental Attributes are almost always primary, as well as Knowledges.

Clan Disciplines

Auspex, Prodigenus, Vitanimae. The Children have as-yet-unrealized aspirations to acquire Thaumaturgy as a Clan Discipline. They also have a preference of the physical Disciplines (Celerity, Fortitude, Potence) as the speed, toughness, or strength afforded often gives a sharp surprise coming from such "a little kid."

Weaknesses

Obviously, all of the Children have the Child Flaw for no freebie points, as well as Short. Because they are children, each Child has a maximum Blood Pool of five less than normal (13th Generation would have only five). Also, all difficulties to lead adults are increased by 2, and movement rates are halved. Stamina and Strength may not normally exceed two, though Potence and Fortitude have no such limits.

Organization

The Children appear to have little in the way of organization, forming rabbles with different tasks arbitrarily assigned: Some are researchers, some are diplomats, some are warriors. Each takes a task for which he or she is particularly suited, but these tasks do not limit the Children significantly.

Gaining Clan Prestige

Clan Prestige can be gained by leading effectively, developing some new insight, fighting valiantly, forging a new alliance, or almost any sort of outstanding excellence that furthers the needs, safety, and goals of the Bloodline.

Quote

"A tisket, a tasket; a child in a casket . . . ."

Stereotypes

Burning Men: Um...yikes. But I'd rather fight with such frighteners than against them. The most rabid ally is the most potent, I think.

Camarilla: Hiding's a good idea, but these take the old ways too far. Tradition and stagnation are the calling cards of the once-noble.

Sabbat: Wisdom lies in evolving past the past, not forsaking it. These bestial fools will damn us all.